Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with theWestern New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences

Corallorhiza wisteriana Conrad (Spring Coralroot Orchid)

Family: Orchidaceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
None

Corallorhiza wisteriana is similar to C. maculata. They are best differentiated
by lobulation of the labellum (the expanded, showy lower petal) and the venation of the sepals. Corallorhiza wisteriana has a lip that has no lateral lobes although there is an obvious fringe. The difference in the purple spots on the labellum may be the most obvious field characteristic, but is also extremely variable and less reliable. All three Coralroots have a mycorrhizal fungal relationships.
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